2020 Volume 34 Issue 1 Pages 26-39
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of perceptions of expressions of parental expectations and psychological distance on sibling relationships. This study examined expressions of parental expectations with a focus on aspects of communicated content and management of communication.
One hundred and ninety-six undergraduates (75 males, 121 females) were surveyed. A factor analysis indicated that paternal expectations were communicated as “an expectation for one's child to succeed,” “an expectation for one's child to be considerate,” and “an expectation for one's child to be one's successor” and that expectations were expressed in a “genial atmosphere,” an “informal atmosphere,” and with “earnestness.” Maternal expectations were communicated as “an expectation for one’s child to succeed” and “an expectation to be consistent,” expectations were expressed in an “upbeat atmosphere,” with “seriousness,” and in an “informal atmosphere.” In addition, covariance structure analysis indicated that expression of the mother's expectations influenced the quality of a sibling relationship. Results suggested that a mother upbeat expression of her concerns to her children may lead to a good sibling relationship. Results also indicated that trust between children and parents may influence the quality of the sibling relationship.
